According to The Mirror, new Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has told Phil Jones that he has a future at Old Trafford - and wants him to become the club's new John Terry.

The Red Devils made their first signing of the Mourinho era earlier this month, as Ivorian centre back Eric Bailly joined the club having impressed with Villarreal.

Bailly is seen as a star of the future, and whilst he was expected to feature alongside Chris Smalling in the heart of the United defence, the signing did raise some question marks over the future of Daley Blind, Marcos Rojo and Phil Jones.

Now, The Mirror report that Mourinho has spoken to defender Jones, and reassured him that he does have a future at United despite his career stalling in recent years.

The 24-year-old, snapped up from Blackburn Rovers in 2011, was highly-rated upon his arrival at Old Trafford, but his versatility was almost a curse, as he never settled at centre back, right back or in holding midfield.

Jones played just 13 times this past season in another injury-hit campaign, and Bailly's arrival sparked some suggestions that United could look to move Jones on after five years at the club.

Chelsea's John Terry is shown a red card by referee Mike Jones

However, it's now believed that Mourinho has not only told Jones that he has a future at the club, but has some big plans in mind for him.

The report states that Mourinho wants Jones to become the next John Terry, a player Mourinho had great success with at Chelsea - and whilst that's outlandish right now given Jones' recent struggles, Mourinho must be confident in Jones' ability to finally show his worth at Old Trafford.

Olly Dawes

Olly is a Sports Management graduate and aspiring journalist, with most of his work surrounding football or NFL. He has formed two of his own sites, as well as contributing to a number of others before starting with Here Is The City.